Diet update... week 12

It's officially week 12 of my current diet. And I'm doing pretty well. This morning I turned in a weight that was only a 1/2 pound from my lowest.

At this point, I'm weighing in at 254.5 pounds... down from 278.0 pounds 12 weeks ago. (If you're not good with math like me... and I had to grab a calculator... that's 23.5 half pounds in 12 weeks.) That's pretty good... about 2 pounds a week.

Overall... I always wish that it would go faster. But I also recognize that if I lose too much too fast, it will just come back. So we'll take what we can get.

Jim

Naperville Turkey Trot

Well...

Today I finally registered for the Naperville Lion's club Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. The Turkey Trot is not a reference to the fat folks running it... I don't think so at least... It's a 5k run on Thanksgiving Day.

I've been meaning to do it since I started running (check out the Fat Guy Running Club post HERE). But I just hadn't done it.

Well this morning as I was running my 2 mile run for the day, I thought "I should just get that done." So I did.

I'm registered to run my first 5k on Thanksgiving Day in 26 days and 22 hours. Should be interesting!

Jiim

Daily Read October 30, 2009

Hebrews 1:1-3 (New International Version)

¹In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, ²but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. ³The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

Daily Read October 28, 2009

Titus 2:11-14 (New International Version)

¹¹For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. ¹²It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, ¹³while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, ¹⁴who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

great PDYM Community lunch

I love connections!!!

And we had some great connections today. Today was the northern Illinois day for the bi-annual PDYM Community lunch. We had a great group and more than that... we had some great discussions. Discussions about the transition from high school to college... discussions about worship... discussions about Simply Youth Ministry's "Live" curriculum.

But the best part: making the connections!!

Sitting around a table... over sandwiches and cookies... eye to eye... knee to knee... talking and working together about youth ministry.

If you aren't connected to a local group of youth workers and you're a youth worker, you need to get connected. ASAP! The benefits are unbelievable!!

Jim

Daily Read October 27, 2009

Romans 6:23 (New International Version)

²³For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Daily Read October 26, 2009

Romans 6:1-2 (New International Version)

¹What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? ²By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?

MercyMe live on the Internet!

Love it!!!

Watch their live concert here!!!

Apple's "Get a Mac" ad: "PC News "

I love the new Mac ads!!!

Jim


Check them out HERE

Apple's "Get a Mac" ad: "Broken Promises"

This is awesome!!! Enjoy!

Jim

Check it out HERE

Church Sign Fail

This cracked me up...

I saw it yesterday at Fail blog and then again today on Josh's blog. Love it!

Jim

Daily Read October 18, 2009

1 Peter 5:2-4 (New International Version)

²Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; ³not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. ⁴And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Daily Read October 17, 2009

Romans 5:6-8 (New International Version)

⁶You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. ⁸But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Daily Read October 16, 2009

Psalm 32:1-2 (New International Version)

¹ "Blessed is he
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.

² Blessed is the man
whose sin the LORD does not count against him
and in whose spirit is no deceit."

PDYM Community lunch in Batavia, IL

A sweet box of FREEBIES just showed up at my office for the upcoming PDYM Community lunch!!!

Just what's in the box???

You'll have to come to the PDYM Community lunch at Fox Valley Christian Church on October 27th to find out. The lunch will begin at 12:30 and wrap up at 2 pm. This will be a great time for local youth workers to get together, meet each other (if you don't know them), chat together, share ideas and support each other. That's what the PDYM Community is all about.

The lunch is being hosted at Fox Valley Christian Church, 40w150 Main Street, Batavia, IL. We are asking each participant to bring $5 to cover the sandwiches. It's open to all youth workers... part-time, full-time, no-time, volunteer... If you would like to come, feel free to shoot me an email at jim@fvcc.com. I'd love to have you come!

Here's a link to the official info!! Scan down to Illinois...

Jim

Daily Read October 15, 2009

Romans 3:21-24 (New International Version)

Righteousness Through Faith

"²¹But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. ²²This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, ²³for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

Now there's some GREAT NEWS!!! We've all messed up... but God's grace is FREE!!!!

Daily Read October 13, 2009

Romans 1:16-17, NIV

"¹⁶I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. ¹⁷For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith.""

Jim

Book Review: Renewal for Mission

Recently I finished up a short read in a book called "Renewal for Mission: A Concise History of Christian Churches and Churches of Christ." Actually I finished it up a couple of weeks ago but haven't had a chance to review it.

I had interest in this book for a couple of reasons. First, one of the authors was a professor of mine at Milligan College, Dr. Dennis Helsabeck Jr. When I saw it advertised in the Milligan alumni magazine, I had to pick up a copy of it.

Second, it claims to be a history of the "Christian Churches and Churches of Christ." They are the independent wing of the Restoration Movement alongside the Disciples of Christ and the Churches of Christ Non-instrumental. There aren't too many histories written from the Independent's perspective.

I was pleasantly surprised. (Not that I was hoping to be disappointed.) It was a very quick read (I read it in about 90 minutes) and as very concise in its details. This book would be a great read for someone who is moderately interested in the history behind the Restoration Movement, Christian Churches, or Fox Valley Christian Church.

There are several things about it that I liked:

• It was very concise and easy to read.
  
• It had pictures (which seems odd... but for someone who is unfamiliar with who Robert Milligan is (and his crazy hair, pictures are helpful. For me these weren't necessary, but I could see the helpfulness.).
• It contained information about the Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ... something that many other books don't.
• There were questions for discussion at the end of each chapter. This little aspect makes it useful in churches were a church might provide a history class about their congregation.
  
• The authors included a "further reading" section where they recommended some potential resources... many of which were familiar to me.
  

While there were several things about this book to like, the dislikes outweighed the likes overall. Here are a couple of things that I didn't like about it:

• There was very little footnoting. That is frustrating for me, since the authors made a couple of claims that I didn't think they could support. But I was unable to check their sources, since they didn't list them. It also made it difficult for someone to study further if they so desired.
  
• The amount of information after the split with the Disciples was minimal. Part of what I was hoping was that the authors would give the basic background and then really give us some meat after the split from the Disciples. Instead we got 3 or 4 chapters of less than 50 pages of the overall 13 chapters and 150 pages. That was disappointing considering it billed itself as a history of "our" movement. Many of these pages were names and dates and occurrences without much development as to the meaning and impact of these events.
  

This book is part of a 3 book series published by ACU about each of the three branches of the movement. I would like to pick up the others, just to complete my set. And while this book was good and short, it left me wanting more. I wanted more detail about what makes us distinctly "us." And I felt the authors spent a great deal of time covering material that others have already done and done well (mostly here I refer to the details of the movement's founding with Stone and the Campbells through 1906) and left uncovered the information that would have made it stand out (1906 to the present).

I give it a C-. (Who would have ever thought that I would give one of my college professors a grade?)

If you are into Restoration Movement history, it might be worth picking up. Although much of the information can be found in other more developed volumes. If you are a church member wondering where Fox Valley Christian Church and other Christian Churches/Churches of Christ have come from, it may be a good resource for you.

Jim

Daily Read October 12, 2009

Mark 16:3-6, NIV

"³and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"

⁴But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. ⁵As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

⁶"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him."

Now there are some exciting verses!!!

Jim

Daily Read October 11, 2009

Colossians 4:5-6, NIV

"⁵Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. ⁶Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

Fat guy running club...

So I'd been toying with an idea for a while.

In high school, sports was a regular part of my life. Even in college, sports was still a regular part of my life as I continued to lift weights and play basketball regularly. But since being in ministry for the past 10 years, I haven't had a regular "sports fix."

So I had been thinking about taking up running. But I had never done it. (My sister has... she was a great cross country running in high school and continues to run and is 'way' fast!)

So I'd been seriously thinking about it for the past couple of years. But the timing was never right. Finally this summer, I thought "if it's going to happen, there's no better time than now."

So I started (August 8).

I started with a goal in mind. Last year when our students were in the Dominican Republic for our missions trip, there was a 10k happening that weekend. So I thought, "I'll get myself ready and if that 10k is that same weekend as last year, then I'll be ready to run it." So that's what I'm working toward.

But I thought that a 10k race shouldn't be my first race. So I decided to run the Naperville Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving 5k.

So I've been working on this goal for the 8 weeks. I haven't blogged out it, even though it's been showing up on my twitter feed. (Basically I didn't blog it in case it didn't work out and then I wouldn't have looked like a failure.)

But the experience has been anything but that.

Today was my final day of my initial running training cycle. I was amazed that I ran 30 minutes without stopped. (Pretty good for a guy who has been noted to 'run to the fridge, but walk back.') And actually when I looked my mileage, I ran 3 miles without stopping. That amazed me more than 30 minutes!!!!

So, next week I start on my 5k training cycle. Although I'm a couple of weeks further along than I thought I was. My 5k will be on Thanksgiving 7 weeks from now. And I'm hoping that my 10k will be on March 28th, 2010.

Where we go from there... who knows... But I am starting to enjoy it. Today, for the first time, I think that I experienced what some refer to as "runner's high." That was exciting.

If you are running and tracking your runs with Nike+, which I am, you can follow me HERE and I can follow you too.

I'm now a part of the "Fat Guy's Running Club." And if there isn't one, maybe I'll be it's first member and President. Plus, the added benefit is that I've lost 20 pounds too!

Jim

P.S.: I figured you would enjoy that picture Steve.

Daily Read October 10, 2009

Colossians 3:23-24, NIV

"23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving"

Daily Read October 9, 2009

Matthew 9:35-38 (New International Version)

³⁵Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. ³⁶When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. ³⁸Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Daily Read October 8, 2009

Colossians 2:13-15 (New International Version)

" ¹³When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, ¹⁴having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. ¹⁵And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."

Daily Read October 7, 2009

Philippians 4:4-9 (New International Version)

⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Ping Pong Balls - Brock Gill

I love this guy!!! He's a Christian illusionist and he is hilarious. This is one of his best tricks. Enjoy!

Jim

Watch it HERE.

Daily Read October 6, 2009

Jeremiah 1:6-8 (New International Version)

⁶ "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."

⁷ But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. ⁸ Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.

Logos scholarship for seminarians

Bible study is one of the most important things that we can do as Christians. God has given us an incredible tool in giving us the Bible. It is indeed a powerful weapon and a mighty sword when placed in the hands of those who weld it with excellence.

I have grown in my appreciation of the Bible over the years. I regularly spend time reading and studying it. One of the greatest companions that I have in my study of the Bible is the Logos Bible Software. I wasn't aware of this software until I began my MDiv work at Lincoln Christian Seminary. Now, I couldn't imagine doing Bible study research without it.

LCS believes in the importance of Bible study and therefore they are pretty upfront with their desire that we seminarians use the Logos system. Which is easy for me since I have found that I really like the software.

Then I saw this fall that Logos is giving away seminary scholarships!!! (For real: Check it out HERE (http://www.seminaryscholarship.com/) I would love to land one of these $1000 scholarships (it would almost cover a class at LCS) and would love even more to get some of the resources that come along with some of the other Logos software. So I entered.

If you are going to seminary, you need Logos. And if you are going to seminary, why not apply for a scholarship(http://www.seminaryscholarship.com/)? Watch a short video, give them some information and maybe you'll be using the most powerful tool in Bible study and saving some money in your seminary bill department!

Jim

Feed My Starving Children video

A couple of weekends ago, FVCC took 77 folks to Feed My Starving Children in Aurora. Here is a video of some of the photos from that day. Enjoy

Jim

P.S.: All these photos and videos were taken by my iPhone 3Gs... Just thought I'd throw that in there.

Check it out HERE if you need to.

Daily Read October 5, 2009

Mark 12:28-31 (New International Version)

The Greatest Commandment

²⁸One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"

²⁹"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. ³⁰Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' ³¹The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'There is no commandment greater than these."

Daily Read October 4, 2009

Mark 10:42-45 (New International Version)

⁴²Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. ⁴³Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, ⁴⁴and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. ⁴⁵For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Diet Update... week 8

I haven't blogged about my diet lately. For those who are wondering, I'm still working on it.

The month of September has been tough... both on the blogging and on the diet. It started off with 10 days in Caldwell at both of my grandparents' funerals. That was hard on the diet because Mom likes to cook and it's good. So the temptation was always to eat more.

But I'm back on track. And have been pretty good on track the rest of the month. In fact, this morning (after my 2.5 mile run) I weighed in at 260.0. That's a grand total of 18 pounds lost in 8 weeks.

So... so far... so good...
Now let's get rid of another 18 pounds...

Jim

Daily Read October 3, 2009

Mark 9:35-37 (New International Version)

³⁵Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."

³⁶He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, ³⁷"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

Zelda is sacked out...

Zelda, one of our cats, is totally sacked out on my wife's lap. She's just chillin'.

Jim

Australian School Answering Machine

This cracked me up. Enjoy

Jim

Click HERE to check it out.

Declaration and Address 200 Years Later

As some of you will know, I have recently discovered my love for Church history. I have always enjoyed history, but never really got into the Church's history until my time at Lincoln.

This weekend marks an important anniversary for the Christian Churches, of which Fox Valley Christian Church is a part, as well as our movement's brothers and sisters in the Churches of Christ (non-instrumental) and Disciples of Christ.

This weekend... October 4th... is the 200th year celebration of our movement's founding document, "The Declaration and Address" by Thomas Campbell written in 1809.

The Christian Standard has posted a collection of articles about this important document. I think this 200 year old document, that most in our churches haven't even heard of, has something important to say to us today.

First, Campbell's words: "That the Church of Christ upon earth is essentially, intentionally, and constitutionally one; consisting of all those in every place that profess their faith in Christ and obedience to him in all things according to the Scriptures, and that manifest the same by their tempers and conduct, and of none else; as none else can be truly and properly called Christians."

The Church (with a capital C) is bigger than my little group of Christian friends that attend a single congregation. The Church is bigger than even our Restoration Movement brothers and sisters. The Church is made up of those who everywhere call on the name of the Lord and follow His Son Jesus Christ with their lives. It's easy for us to believe and live like the Christians who meet inside the four walls of my church are THE church. But Thomas would want to remind us this weekend that that isn't true. (Check out Jesus' prayer for the Church and his followers... John 17:20-23.)

Second, Campbell's words: "That although the Church of Christ upon earth must necessarily exist in particular and distinct societies, locally separate one from another, yet there ought to be no schisms, no uncharitable divisions among them. They ought to receive each other as Christ Jesus hath also received them, to the glory of God. And for this purpose they ought all to walk by the same rule, to mind and speak the same thing; and to be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment."

It's easy to view the church down the street as competition. But the reality is that the congregation down the street is working toward the same goal that we should all be working towards: CHANGED LIVES. The church needs to remember that we are supposed to be about introducing folks who don't know to a Savior Jesus Christ who loves them passionately and died for them so that they could have an eternal relationship with the God who created them. That is the goal. And if that's happening in the church down the street, then that's a win for us. If that's happening in our church, then that's a win for the congregation down the street. (See Matthew 24:14.)

Third, Campbell's words: "That although the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are inseparably connected, making together but one perfect and entire revelation of the Divine will, for the edification and salvation of the Church, and therefore in that respect can not be separated; yet as to what directly and properly belongs to their immediate object, the New Testament is as perfect a constitution for the worship, discipline, and government of the New Testament Church, and as perfect a rule for the particular duties of its members, as the Old Testament was for the worship, discipline, and government of the Old Testament Church, and the particular duties of its members."

We don't spend enough time in our Bibles. I'm to blame as well. Most of us own a Bible, but rarely do we read it. Everything in found within it's pages to show us how to live life properly. Instructions are found within it's pages as to how the church should function. There is no clear picture within it's pages of what the church should look like exactly, but what we have is several pictures of how the early church operated. But rarely do we open this book. We need to change that... desperately. (Check out Acts 17:11.)

Finally (and there's more, I'm just choosing to cut it off here for now...), Campbell's words: "That all that are enabled through grace to make such a profession, and to manifest the reality of it in their tempers and conduct, should consider each other as the precious saints of God, should love each other as brethren, children of the same family and Father, temples of the same Spirit, members of the same body, subjects of the same grace, objects of the same Divine love, bought with the same price, and joint-heirs of the same inheritance. Whom God hath thus joined together no man should dare to put asunder."

As I said before, the Church needs to learn how to get along again. If we do, there won't be anything that can stop us (check out Matthew 16:18).

If you would like to familiarize yourself with this document that launched the Restoration Movement, you can read it in it's entirety HERE. The document is long and the language isn't that familiar to our ears. But I think that 200 years later, Thomas Campbell still has some important words for our ears.

Jim

Daily Read October 2, 2009

Mark 9:23-24 (New International Version)

²³" 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."

²⁴Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

Daily Read October 1, 2009

Ephesians 6:10-12 (New International Version)

¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. ¹²For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Daily Read September 30, 2009

Isaiah 55:8-9 (New International Version)

⁸ "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.

⁹ "As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

PDYM Community lunches here at FVCC...

If you like lunch (I do)...

And if you're a youth worker volunteer, part-time, or full time (I am)...

And you want to connect with other youth workers (I do)...

And you want to go home with some cool stuff (I do)...

Then I might have just the event for you. FVCC will be hosting a PDYM Community lunch on Tuesday, October 27th at 12:30 pm. The purpose of these lunches is to build community among local youth workers and learn from each other. And I'd love to have you come.

Here's the official information on the PDYM Community blog if you are interested. If you would like to come, shoot me an email. There is plenty of room! And FVCC is the only spot in Illinois with a community lunch!!!

Jim

Daily Read September 29, 2009

Psalm 68:19-20 (New International Version)

¹⁹ "Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens.
Selah

²⁰ Our God is a God who saves;
from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death."

Spring Break 2010 Dominican Republic Trip

I'm pumped!!!

Yesterday we had our first 2010 Spring Break Dominican Republic meeting follow 2nd service.

Here's what I'm pumped about. Right now, we have 12 students committed to going!!!!! Last year we had 6 awesome students... but this year 3 of those students have returned and the group has grown! (We have 5 pretty radical adults too!!!)

I'm so stoked to see what God is going to do through them over the next several months as they get ready to go. And how God is going to work in their hearts while they're there!!

It's going to be a great trip March 27th - April 4th. Pray for them. And we are selling fresh pecans as a fundraiser... if you'd like to buy some, I could help you get connected with a student who would love to see you some!!

Jim

Daily Read September 28, 2009

Isaiah 45:22-25 (New International Version)

²² "Turn to me and be saved,
all you ends of the earth;
for I am God, and there is no other.

²³ By myself I have sworn,
my mouth has uttered in all integrity
a word that will not be revoked:
Before me every knee will bow;
by me every tongue will swear.

²⁴ They will say of me, 'In the LORD alone
are righteousness and strength.' "
All who have raged against him
will come to him and be put to shame.

²⁵ But in the LORD all the descendants of Israel
will be found righteous and will exult."

Daily Read September 27, 2009

Ephesians 3:17-20, NIV

"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

²⁰Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

The end of an era at Fox Valley Christian Church

This weekend will mark the end of an era at Fox Valley Christian Church.

(photo from Steve's facebook page HERE)

For the last 10 years, Steve has lead our congregation into worship. And it has been a great 10 years (I have personally been here for 5 of those years). Steve has a great way of drawing in the congregation and engaging them in worship. It is truly a pleasure to worship under Steve's leadership.

But tomorrow morning will be his final Sunday at FVCC. He is taking on new challenges at Southfield Community Church in Channahon, IL.

We will have one last opportunity to worship with Steve tomorrow. Hope you're there!

While I have appreciated his worship leading, wisdom, leadership and guidance, more than anything I have appreciated his friendship. It's truly a blessing to work with friends. We've been friends both in the office and outside of the office often watching Bears games, Cubs games, Ohio State games, Illinois games and spending a lot of time hanging out outside of the office. I will miss being able to go down the hall... sit on his couch and talk about anything from this weekend's worship set to the Bears or Cubs to the latest updates from Apple. Not that this is the end of a friendship, for sure. But it will certainly be a change.

I hope that if you are at FVCC this Sunday morning, you take a few moments and thank Steve for his hard work, dedication and leadership!

Thanks Steve!

Jim

Feed My Starving Children - All-FVCC Service Project

77 folks from FVCC joined in service today at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora. It was a great experience. If you have never been, it is truly an excellent place to serve. For about an hour, you work together as a team to package up meals to go overseas and feeds folks who are starving.

Each meal pouch contains enough chicken, freeze-dried veggies, soy and rice for six folks. When mixed with heated water, it provides enough nutrition for the day. And it takes, literally, about 60 seconds to put together a meal pouch.

Then they are sealed and placed in boxes, weighted and prepared for shipment.

The organization is non-profit and 95% of their work is done by volunteers (like FVCC). They are extremely professional. They know what you need to do and how to do it. It's a great experience.

Finally, the group gathered together in their warehouse and prayed over the meals.

Altogether, FVCC packed 96 boxes, with 20,736 meals... which is enough to feed 57 kids for a whole year. And we worked about 70 minutes!!! That's awesome!!!

Way to go FVCC!!! and FMSC!!!

Jim

2010 Simply Youth Ministry Conference brochure

2010 Simply Youth Ministry Conference

I can't wait until the SYMC comes to Chicago. I am planning to take my team and it will be awesome to enjoy the conference and still sleep in my own bed!!! Check out the online brochure. It's gonna rock!

Jim

Daily Read September 26, 2009

Ephesians 2:19-20, NIV

"¹⁹Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, ²⁰built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. "

Daily Read September 25, 2009

Ephesians 2:8-10, NIV


"⁸For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹not by works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Daily Read September 24, 2009

Ephesians 2:4-6, NIV

"⁴But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. ⁶And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, "

David Crowder Band - Church Music is out today!!!

So many great things happening today...

Zondervan joins Logos...
Fall officially arrives this afternoon...

And David Crowder Band's new anticipated album released on iTunes and other places.

I'm listening to it right now. And I'm liking what I'm hearing. It's a great blend of church hymns and music with the classic touch of the DCB!

If you haven't picked up a copy yet... march yourself right over to iTunes, Amazon or your favorite Christian Bookstore and pick one up for yourself. And then go follow DCB on Twitter!!!

Enjoy!

Jim

Zondervan joins Logos

This is a great day for Logos users.

I had heard last night that there was to be a major Logos announcement at 12 am (Pacific time) last night. There was no way that I was staying up for that. But this morning, I was blown away by the announcement.

Zondervan is going to publish some of it's volumes through Logos. That's great news for Logos users... and if you aren't a Logos user and you study the Bible, you should be. My shelves in my office are lined with Zondervan resources because they put out great commentaries and materials. Now, I'll be able to replace some of those physical books that are difficult to use with digital resources that I can access from anywhere with my computer.

Sweet!!!

Here's a snipet from their story HERE:
"Zondervan has some of the hottest reference material out there—in print and electronic formats. Retiring Pradis doesn't mean they are getting out of the software or e-book business, it means they are simply changing platforms. The announcement to retire Pradis comes in the same press release with the news that they will license Logos Bible Software as their new platform. In our typical book partnerships we license content from publishers to release it ourselves. In this partnership, rather than licensing their books to us, Zondervan is actually licensing technology from us."

This is an exciting day for Logos users. I'm not planning to pick up the initial 87 volume set (unless there's someone out there who wants to pick it up for me...). But I will be replacing some of my commentaries as they become available.

Way to go Logos and Zondervan!!!

Jim

a real life Jon and Kate... but doing it right!

These folks are living by faith in God as they raise their 8 children, two of which are adopted from Ethiopia.

"Home-schooling all eight of their children and surviving on one income, the Muellers have not sought the reality show spotlight that helped pop culture icons Jon and Kate Gosselin raise their brood and eventually broadcast the end of their marriage.
Still, there has been a fair share of drama surrounding the Muellers' adoption of two children from Ethiopia -- a process that started four years ago before anyone could have guessed Pete Mueller would lose his job.
The Muellers could have backed out of the adoption. But they didn't. They believed they were answering God's call in the New Testament to look after orphans in distress."

Check out the story HERE.

Jim

Daily Read September 20, 2009

Psalm 62:5-8 (New International Version)

⁵ Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.

⁶ He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

⁷ My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

⁸ Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.

Daily Read September 19, 2009

Isaiah 29:13 (New International Version)

¹³ The Lord says:
"These people come near to me with their mouth
and honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
Their worship of me
is made up only of rules taught by men.

Daily Read September 18, 2009

Isaiah 28:16 (New International Version)

¹⁶ So this is what the Sovereign LORD says:
"See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a tested stone,
a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation;
the one who trusts will never be dismayed.

See You At The Pole 2009

See You At the Pole is coming up next Wednesday. Hopefully you are planning to meet at the pole!

Jim

Check it out HERE.

Forgiveness!!!

I heard about this last night. Watch the video for yourself. But as I watch this, I couldn't help but think of God's forgiveness for us. God often gives us something so incredible and we turn around and immediately throw it away. Yet God is like the father in this video... arms open, ready to embrace, forgive, and as it turns out give us back what we threw away... as the little girl later got another ball.

I recognize that this guy isn't perfect but he does give us a good glimpse of God-like love!

Jim

Daily Read September 13, 2009

2 Corinthians 12:9-10, NIV

This passage has to be one of my favorite passages in the Bible. Check it out:

"⁹But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. ¹⁰That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Daily Read September 12, 2009

Isaiah 9:6-7, NIV

"⁶ For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

⁷ Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this."

Thinking about September 11th...

It's hard to imagine that it's been 8 years since September 11th. I remember exactly where I was when I first heard the news of a plane crashing into the World Trade Center building, as many who are older than me remember where they were when they heard that President Kennedy had been assassinated.

I was driving in my truck (1988 GMC Sierra short bed that I would love to have back) east on Interstate 80 in western Pennsylvania on my way to a meeting with some youth pastor friends about our upcoming Fall Retreat. We were meeting in Punxsutawney (the home of all the groundhog craziness around February 2nd).

The four of us went next door to a hotel where they allowed us to watch the coverage in their lobby.

We stood, sat and prayed in disbelief... for what seemed like an eternity. We watched the towers fall. We listened to the coverage of Flight 93 that crashed just a hundreds miles south of where we sat.

We decided to reschedule our meeting as reports began to trickle into our cell phones of schools letting out early for the day. Realizing that we would have upset students, we headed for home.

There were a couple of things about that day that I will never forget:

• the thought of complete disbelief... it was overwhelming.
• the clearness of the blue sky that day.
• the absence of planes in the sky on the drive home.
• how great it was to talk to family and friends and find out that folks were alright... realizing that many would find out that day that "someone" was not alright...
  
• the shock on the faces of folks back home.
• watching the news coverage for hours as brave rescuers tried to save anyone they could.
• being unable to stop watching the news reports.
  
• watching the coverage of those planes flying into those buildings... those images still give me chills.

But today... looking back, I'm thankful for those brave men and women who rushed into those doomed buildings to help people and lost their lives in the process. I'm thankful for those who worked around the clock for weeks to try to give closure to those who's loved ones lost their lives. I'm thankful for our brave men and women (some from our youth ministry) who have served and are serving in the armed forces, protecting our freedoms. Today I remember them.

But more than anything, I'm thankful for my faith in a God who is righteous and just and will, in the end, set everything right.

Jim

Where were you? What do you remember?

Apple's "Get a Mac" ad: "PC Innovation Lab"

I would love to have one of the new MacBook Pro's!!! That long battery life would be awesome!!!

Enjoy!

Jim

Click HERE to watch it!

Daily Read September 11, 2009

Isaiah 9:2, NIV

"² The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned. "

CIY MOVE 2010 Trailer

Can't wait until this next year!!!

Looks sweet!!!

Jim

Check it out HERE

In Memory of Grandma...

MILDRED MAE CLARK - 1931-2009

CALDWELL -- Mildred Mae Eichhorn Clark, 77, of Middleburg, passed away Saturday morning (Sept. 5, 2009) at her residence.

She was born Nov. 9, 1931, in Middleburg a daughter of the late Harry and Dessie (Luke) Eichhorn.

Mrs. Clark was a member of Middleburg United Methodist Church. She enjoyed quilting, collecting salt and pepper shakers and spending time with her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John C. Clark, whom she married on June 15, 1949.

Surviving are three sons, Harry (Teresa) Clark of Middleburg, Mike (Cindy) Clark of Caldwell and John (Zina) Clark of Inman, S.C.; two daughters, Brenda Clark of Caldwell, Sally (Gale) Anderson of Middleburg; 16 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Ethel (George) Braden of Buckeye Lake; and several nieces, nephews and friends.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Chandler Funeral Home, 609 West Street, Caldwell.

The funeral service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Chandler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Helen Lewis Officiating.

Burial will follow in Ogle's Ridge Cemetery in Middleburg.

(posted from Daily Jeffersonian)

Grandma went to be with Grandpa

This morning, Grandma went to be with Grandpa.

We got the call this morning that Grandma had passed away. She had been struggling for the last couple of days, not having been awake since sometime on Thursday. So, it's been a pretty sad week.

I will post the obituary when it's been published.

Jim

Daily Read September 3, 2009

2 Corinthians 4:16-18, NIV

"¹⁶Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Daily Read September 2, 2009

2 Corinthians 4:7-10, NIV

" ⁷But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. ⁸We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. ¹⁰We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body."

In Memory of Grandpa...

John Clarence Clark

CALDWELL -- John Clarence Clark, 79, of Middleburg, passed away Monday morning (Aug. 31, 2009) at his home.

He was born March 10, 1930, in Noble County, son of the late Earl and Nora Hupp Clark.

Mr. Clark was a member of Middleburg United Methodist Church and Sharon Lodge 136, F&AM. He was a 32nd Degree Mason.

He retired from the Noble County Garage, after many years of service. He enjoyed working with wood and spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and Ray Clark.

Surviving are his wife, Mildred Eichhorn Clark of the home, whom he married June 15, 1949; three sons, Harry (Teresa) Clark of Middleburg, Mike (Cindy) Clark of Caldwell and John (Zina) Clark of Inman, S.C.; two daughters, Brenda Clark of Caldwell and Sally (Gale) Anderson of Middleburg; 16 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; a sister, Ethel (George) Braden of Buckeye Lake; and several nieces, nephews and friends.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Chandler Funeral Home, 609 West St., Caldwell, with a Masonic Ritual being conducted at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Thursday at the family's residence, 24160 Frostyville Road, Middleburg, with the Rev. Helen Lewis officiating.

Burial will follow in Ogles Ridge Cemetery in Middleburg.

(posted from Daily Jeffersonian)



Jim

Daily Read September 1, 2009

Psalm 42:1, NIV

"As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God."